SunWatch
2301 W. River Road, Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 268-8199
Established in 1988, SunWatch is one of two institutions under the direction of the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH). This outdoor museum marks the site of a roughly 3 acre village that had once belonged to the people of Fort Ancient. Artifacts recovered from the site's 17-year-long archaeological excavation and reconstructed village structures comprise the museum's exhibits both outdoors and inside the Heilman-Kettering Interpretive Center.
Important Information
Website: https://www.sunwatch.org/
Hours of Operation: 9am - 5pm Tues - Sat; 12pm - 5pm Sun; CLOSED Mon.
NOTE: SunWatch is a seasonal location that is closed DEC - MAR.
Use the drop-down menus below to explore environmental literacy programming at SunWatch!
Virtual Programming/Distance Learning
Distance learning & virtual interactive programs from DSNH include pre- and post-activity packets to help you integrate participatory learning experiences into your classroom!
COMING SOON - "Native Species" virtual interactive experience with the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration (CILC) --> The SunWatch site features a native garden and prairie with plants typical of the period during which the village was active. DSNH educators are currently developing a life science program that utilizes these spaces to teach students about habitat preservation, ecosystem services, and Ohio native species!
ETA: Summer 2022
Environmental Literacy Standards
At SunWatch, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environment and the circumstances and conditions affecting it, particularly as it relates to air, climate, land, food, energy, water, and ecosystems.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of society’s impact on the natural world
Investigate and analyze environmental issues, and make accurate conclusions about effective solutions.
Special thanks to: Eila Ahonen-Miller → Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator/Acting Distance Learning Coordinator
Special thanks to collaborator Eila Ahonen-Miller (Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator, Acting Distance Learning Coordinator)